We Ring The Bells of St. Mary's

Shortly into our visit to Somerset House, a voice came over the loudspeaker instructing everyone to exit immediately via the nearest exit. The voice said only that "An incident has been detected." We hurried into the street without a clue as to the cause of the evacuation, although we later learned it was a false fire alarm. With nothing to do but wait, we went across the street and wandered into the church of St. Mary le Strand. It is a lovely little church, set right in the middle of the street. The architecture is over-the-top gorgeous and heavy on plaster carving. The warden was very friendly and told us all about it, but best of all, he offered to let the little girls ring the bell in the bell tower. They thought that was great fun and rang vigorously (above)until told to stop so as to not accidently call all the little old ladies in the neighborhood to services!